National Folk Festival Announces 2017 Schedule for Performers and Stages

The National Folk Festival – America’s longest running free celebration of our nation’s heritage and traditions — today announced its complete schedule of performance times and stage locations for more than fifty acts the weekend of September 8 through 10, the national event’s third historic year in Greensboro, North Carolina.

From classic country, jazz and Cajun — to Gospel and hip-hop, this year’s complete Festival schedule of performances and activities is now available at ncfolkfestival.com/schedule.

“With the Festival’s release of performance times, stage locations and acts, those coming can really start to create their own plans for how to enjoy the weekend,” said Festival Director Amy Grossmann as part of the announcement. “There is so much to choose from, and this schedule is what many have been waiting for to create their very own festival schedule.”

The three-day celebration begins on Friday evening, September 8 at 6pm on the Wrangler Stage, with a performance from New Orleans’ fabled Tremé Brass Band. Once the magical music gets the audience dancing, the Band moves from the stage and joins with the crowd for the Festival’s traditional opening parade through downtown. The audience and other performers all join in.

Friday’s schedule runs until 10pm. Saturday’s schedule of music and fun begins at noontime, and runs all day through 10pm. Sunday Festival hours are noon through 6pm.

Four of the Festival’s stages will operate during all Festival hours as noted above:

The Wrangler Stage, anchored at the northern end of the Festival in front of Wrangler’s headquarters on Elm Street in downtown Greensboro;

The CityStage, in the large Lincoln Financial parking lot across Market Street from the News & Record between Davie and Church streets;

The Dance Pavilion, located at the corner of East Washington and South Church Streets, across from The Depot; and

The Lawn Stage, a large, covered venue near the intersection of Commerce Place and Bellemeade.

Four additional themed stages will operate during daylight hours on Saturday and Sunday:

The Family Stage near the Greensboro Historical Museum;

The Price/Bryan Performance Place at LeBauer Park;

The North Carolina Folklife Area on Greene Street in front of Government Plaza; and

Center City Park.

“We are delighted to once again host this free event for the community and visitors from across the country,” said ArtsGreensboro President & CEO Tom Philion. “Thanks to so many enthusiastic supporters, sponsors, and the City of Greensboro, this city is now host to a national celebration that feeds both our spirits and our economy – and which we are proud to say will continue as the North Carolina Folk Festival beginning next year as the National moves on to a new residency.”

As in past years, festival organizers will again solicit contributions on site for the weekend through a traditional bucket brigade effort throughout all three days. A suggested contribution of $10 is suggested to help keep the Festival free.